Monday, March 16, 2009

Finally,round four begins .....




After an extremely long day,Zoey's 4th round of chemo is under way.At 10pm this evening, her bottle was hung and with the exception of changing bottles as they each empty,chemo will remain coursing through her little veins for the next 96 hours straight.We have never begun at night like this before.Makes me a bit uneasy I must say,as I feel as if the daylight hours lends itself to me being better able to watch for reactions and side effects.However,vitals will be done around the clock and I am sure things will be fairly uneventful.At least lets hope and pray they are.Mark is with Zoey tonight.We started right in with the routine that seemed to have worked well the other 3 rounds.I will be with her everyday,except Saturday and will stay 3 nights a week and Mark will stay the other 4 nights.We just need to get into the groove again.5 weeks at home has certainly spoiled us and although I was ready to get moving with another round,being back is so tough.But we will adjust.Just as we have in the past and before you know it,we will be home.Seems far off again but it will come.One day at a time ... one moment at a time.Please pray for the little love.Day two is generally really hard on her.My reminder on the harshness of this regiment is likely to come sooner rather than later.Zoey has been such a trooper today.For now,all smiles,interspersed with a few cautious once overs for new faces who enter her room and more of a "if looks could kill", glares for anyone who even attempts to touch her.But for dad,as you can see,all smiles.Well,I am off to bed.I can tell that the familiar feeling of not being able to put two coherent words together, will soon be creeping in.Thanks for checking in on our tiny hero and thank you for your continued love,support and prayers.

27 comments:

Cheri said...

Okay tiny hero...do your thing :). We are praying for you Zoey Grace.

Anonymous said...

Heather thanks for letting everyone know how Zoey is doing.We thought about you all day. I'm glad things went smoothly.Don't forget to take care of yourselves,I don't know how you do it.Such a demanding schedule for so long, it's definately divine intervention.Sending lots and lots of kisses for Zoey, prayers and hugs, Stephanie

Unknown said...

I was thinking about all of you all day yesterday! I'm glad it's been started...
I know how hard it can be switching off at the hospital..sending you loads of support.
Kate

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

We're praying!!!! You're getting close to the end! YAY! :)

Anonymous said...

zoey grace you're constantly in my prayers! as are you heather and mark!

Colbert Family said...

Is she just the cutest little thing ever?!!! Praying for sweet Zoey and all of you. You guys are almost there and are doing great!

~KC: said...

Amazing Zoey Grace, I'm sending you lots of LOVE and HEALING ENERGY your way, every day ~

Sending prayers of strength to all of you ~

Anonymous said...

Yes Heather - count me in with all the others thinking about Zoey's day (and yours) at the hospital yesterday. 96 hours ticking away....

Fight on little warrior, we're all praying for you and your family.

Mark - great photos! Yep,---all smiles for her daddy. (& you too Heather , altho we don't see many photos of Zoey and mommy)




Love and hugs to everyone

Aunt Bluebelle

Unknown said...

Oh it was so good to come to your blog and feel 'hope' and 'peace' again. I have been checking other, not so happy blogs this morning, tears streaming and I come to yours...hope and smiles from Zoey...your hope and strength in your post...you amaze me and help carry me through my own struggles and tough days. My love, my friend, my love to you, your husband for the devotion and strength to fight by Zoey's side and my love for the sweet angel...may she come through this brilliantly, may she fight hard, may round 4 be over before you know it and all will be well...love and prayers, my dear dear friend, love and prayers...always!

Lacey said...

Look at how she looks at her daddy. Praying she flies through this round like the other rounds. And praying she feels ok through it all. Can't wait to see you guys, Lacey and Jax

Danyele Easterhaus said...

she has the best smile and just a content little heart. her face makes me grin...praying for her healing and lessened side affects...prayer and hugs to you all...

Karen Owens said...

Praying round four goes by like a flash! Praying for your princess!

Junior said...

We are praying for Zoey, hope this round goes by quickly

The VW's said...

Praying that this round goes well and that your family is at peace throughout this trying time!

Zoey, you are SO cute and such a fighter! God Bless You and your family!!!

Jeff said...

Heather,

I love seeing the pics of Zoey with Daddy - so sweet. We are coming over for Jaden's birthday party... this will be our second birthday party in the conference room on the 4th floor of CHLA.

Will see you there - or I'll come by to find you and give you a big hug!

Praying for Zoey - always.
xoxo
Jo Ann

Anonymous said...

Hello to the tiny little hero's mom and dad. Great pictures of father and daughter. How is day two going? Any better than in the previous rounds? Hope and pray it is so. Thoughts, love, and grace are with you, hug her for me, it's my usual day and time with her and I miss that, but know this has to be. xo Christi Harman

Anonymous said...

Yeah I found you guys. So glad you finally were admitted (You know what I mean). I come back on the 26th of March if you need anything just send me an e-mail (katie_mmartin @ yahoo dot com)Without the spaces.
She is such a sweetie.
Will keep you guys in our prayers.
And now that I found you, I can keep updated on how she is doing.
God bless.
Katie

Maryellen said...

Zoey has a smile in every photo of her it is so hard to remember what she is enduring and all she has already edured. Her smile lights up everything.

Keeping her in prayer,
Maryellen N.J.

Reagan Leigh said...

Such cute pics with Daddy! I'm glad to hear that you're finally settled in and beginning round 4! Sending prayers of strength for both you and Zoey! Keep in touch!
Tera

Scrappy quilter said...

Praying for Zoey. I've also added her widget to my sidebar and have asked others to pray for her on my blog. She has touched me deeply.

Having a son with Down syndrome, I know a little of the challenges you have. However, I certainly don't know what you are going through right now. I'll be praying bigtime.

Melissa said...

Oh sweetheart...you are so amazing Zoey! I know that you are going to do great!
Praying & thinking about you EVERY SINGLE DAY!!
{{Hugs!}}

Judy said...

I just found your blog and have been reading through it catching up on Zoey's story! I must say, I'm a little amazed. Zoey's life is so similar to my sweet little 2 year old cousin Olivia. Olivia has Down Syndrome, has heart conditions that I can't even explain (her mother would have to do that) and she was just diagnosed with pre-leukemia (almost full blown leukemia, but not quite - it's complicated). I had never heard of a child with a similar medical history until I stumbled across your blog! You can bet on the fact that I will be praying for Zoey right along with Olivia! I know that we serve a might God who is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine! And he loves Zoey so much!! I'll be praying! If you want to read about Olivia you could check out her blog at http://thechattpack.blogspot.com

Jeanette said...

Our prayer warriors here in Texas are gearing in for another round!

Victoria Strong said...

I have been thinking about you all day. Brave little Zoey, stay strong.

Bluebell said...

Hello Heather,
I have only just been introduced to Zoey but already I love her fighting spirit she must bring you great joy she has the smile to melt your heart. I will continue to read her story and pray that she comes through the obstacles that she is given. Take care of yourselves too.

Jill Harris Desford England

Anonymous said...

Sending you all much love; wishing you continued strength and endurance to get through this round. Hang in there Zoey, mom, dad and all the Needham clan.

<3 Renee and Ringer family

Lisa said...

I'm praying for Zoey and your whole family. Your strength and perservence is a great encouragement to me. Thank you for commenting on my blog on the birth of my own sweet little wonder.